John Wilson Stroup

John Wilson Stroup, 83, Russiaville, passed away at 9:50 am, Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at North Woods Village in Kokomo.  He was born May 30, 1940, in Russiaville, the son of the late John Elmo and Mary (Tobias) Stroup. John was married to Elva (Gaskins) Stroup from 1959-1983.  He then married Utha Veoma “Vi” Prince who preceded him in death on May 20, 2022.

John graduated from Western High School in 1958.  He retired as a truck driver from Chrysler Corp after 20 years of service.  After retirement, John worked as a painting contractor for 20 years.  He had been a member of Alto Methodist Church, West Middleton Friends and West Middleton Methodist Church.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, watching the Indiana Pacers and his grandchildren’s sporting events.

John had a love of singing.  Starting in the 1960’s, he traveled all over singing in various churches, which was his ministry.  He founded the Swordsmen Quartet which changed to the Swordsmen then around 2000 was a founding member of Family Ties.  In the 1970’s John was also the founder and President of the Midwest Gospel Talent Agency.  John was a Christian man who had one of the best male tenor voices around.  His talent led him to many opportunities to sing in mainstream country music but decided to remain in his Gospel music ministry.  Two of his favorite songs were The Lighthouse and Hallelujah Square.

John is survived by his daughter, Lori Ann (Ty) Thomas; grandchildren, Tanner (Savannah) Thomas and Marlee Thomas; great-grandchildren, Tate and Tripp Thomas; sisters, Winifred Ellen Rockey Campbell and Rachel (John) Rosborough; nieces and nephews, Andrew (Brooke) Rosborough, Elizabeth (Clayton) Ferguson, Lesa (Phil) Gross, Monica (Mark) Greengard, Jennifer (Craig) Lewis, Mark Montgomery,  and Angie (Kenny) Humble, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and lots of friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Beth Ann Stroup; brothers, Randy Lee Stroup and Russell Allen Stroup; nephew, Charles David Rockey; and brothers-in-law, Pastor Charles V. Rockey and Benny Campbell.

Funeral service will be held at Noon Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Russiaville Friends Church, 270 E. Main Street, Russiaville, with Pastor Bill Martin officiating.  Burial will follow in New London Cemetery.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10:00 am until time of service Tuesday at the church.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com. 

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